Animal Shelter Manager

The salary of the Animal Shelter Manager position ranges from $27,000 to $30,000, depending on experience & qualifications.

JOB SUMMARY
The Animal Shelter Manager assumes responsibility for the coordination, planning, scheduling and management of the Walker County Animal Shelter staff and ensures the safe and humane treatment of all shelter animals, while upholding the highest standard of care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
● Manages all aspects of the day to day animal care operations. Ensures that work is done in a timely fashion and in accordance with established procedures and state laws. Assists with daily activities when necessary.
● Trains, evaluates, supervises, schedules and directs the activities of the Animal Shelter staff and volunteers, so as to provide for their growth and to maximize the potential of all employees and volunteers for the good of the Walker County Animal Shelter.
● Establishes and maintains an approved standard of care of animals in the shelter, as well as the maintenance of the shelter facility.
● Participates as a supportive member of the management team to identify health and safety concerns, temperament issues, safe and humane handling and adoptability of shelter animals.
● Works collaboratively with all staff members to achieve the completion of daily work assignments, following proper shelter protocols; has accountability for measurable results in these areas.
● Treats animals humanely, with compassion and concern both on and off the job and transmits these values to others.
● Regularly conducts and participates in meetings with the staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve working conditions and the overall care for shelter animals.
● Works with the shelter team to implement standard protocol and procedures including but not limited to physical examinations, vaccinations, euthanasia and other procedures.
● Supervises and performs euthanasia in accordance with shelter protocol and Georgia law; trains personnel in preparation of euthanasia certification.
● Ensures a high level of communication and supervision with and maintains discipline and prescribes work performance standards for all of the shelter team and volunteers.
● Fosters a team environment by working effectively with all departments and members of Walker County Government to accomplish department and organizational goals and objectives.
● Maintains a written equipment and daily operational supply inventory ensuring that necessary tools and resources are readily available to staff when needed.
● Assures the maintenance and use of the shelter operational software, maintaining animal records as required and reviews the works of others on a regular basis to ensure that accurate and timely information is available and current. Is responsible for monthly/annual animal statistics reports.
● Promotes a positive business relationship with veterinarians outside the shelter.
● Provides on call support to respond to shelter emergencies on an as needed basis.
● Assists with the development and implementation of the Shelter’s business plan and annual budget, as approved by the Sole Commissioner.
● Coordinates with the Public Relations Director on all external communication, including but not limited to social media, website updates, adoption events, press releases and interview or video requests.
● Works effectively and efficiently with the Animal Control Officers and the Animal Control Board in response to emergency calls and coordinating “Doggie Court.”
● Other duties as assigned. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
● Must be at least 18 years old
● High School diploma or GED
● Two years college work preferred
● Four years experience in a veterinary office, kennel, shelter or similar environment
● Two years supervisory experience preferred
● Experience in working with governmental agencies, community groups, volunteers and animal welfare organizations

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
● Effectively communicate in the English language both in writing and orally.
● Accurately add, subtract, multiply and divide.
● Ability to organize tasks and daily assignments for coworkers efficiently.
● Carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
● Maintain confidence around pets.
● Accumulated knowledge of and compassion for domestic animals and wildlife.
● Demonstrated capability to be a self-starter, facilitator, organizer and innovator.
● Ability to plan and implement projects with little supervision and must be able to work independently.
● Provide excellent customer service to citizens at all times and especially in stressful circumstances by providing friendly interaction with clients and animals and ensuring customer satisfaction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Animal Shelter Manager’s job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people
with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this job.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to regularly stand for extended periods, to frequently walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch, and lift or move up to 35 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally.

Pulling, pushing, tugging, and towing when transporting animals by leash or in cages is also performed on a frequent basis. Some larger canine breeds may exceed 100 pounds. Larger animals should always be handled by two or more staff members.

Exposure to dangerous and fractious animals, animal bites and scratches is frequent so the need for restraint of temperamental, aggressive, and sick animals will occur on a regular basis. The physical agility and mental acuity to handle these sudden and potentially dangerous situations is a must, especially when euthanasia is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually exposed to a noise level that is moderate to loud/frequent. Use of and exposure to strong cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, other allergens, zoonotic disease occurs daily. Works both inside and outside all year round in a variety of weather conditions. Part of the job requires
working without the aid of air conditioning and heating for periods of time.
This position is also required to work weekends and holidays.

STANDARDS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE
● Successful development and implementation of objectives; continuous growth in service provided.
● Ability to work alone or with a team.
● Appropriate and positive interaction with staff, management, volunteers, community groups, professional associates and private citizens.
● Accomplishment of job functions in an effective and timely manner.
● Proficiency in oral and written communication.
● Effectiveness in establishing priorities, working on multiple assignments and concurrent projects.
● Exercise of sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines.
● Demonstrated ability to thoroughly analyze problems; to meet demanding and changing deadlines in spite of interruptions.
● Adherence to established policies and procedures.

To apply for this position, click here to access the application packet. Fill it out and send the application packet, a resume and cover letter to: